Re credit facilities

Wolseley PLC
24 September 2001



Date:  Embargoed until 7.00am, Monday 24th September 2001



                      Wolseley announces signing of new
                       US$925million credit facilities



Wolseley plc, the leading international distributor of building materials and
plumbing supplies, announced today that it has signed two revolving credit
facilities totalling US$925million. Both facilities were arranged by Danske
Bank and Lloyds TSB Capital Markets, with Lloyds TSB acting as Facility Agent.



The loan margin on the major five year revolving credit facility for
US$620million varies, starting from 40 basis points. The second facility is a
364 day revolving credit for US$305million, with a loan margin which varies
between 37.5 basis points and 45 basis points.



The original proposal for facilities totalling $800million was oversubscribed,
and the offering increased to $925million. The facilities are available for
Wolseley's general corporate funding requirements including its recent
C$550million purchase of The Westburne Group.



Charlie Banks, Group Chief Executive, said:



 'We are delighted to announce the signing of these oversubscribed facilities
on terms which reflect Wolseley's strong balance sheet and credit rating. This
will strengthen our banking relationships across the Group, and brings
important benefits to Wolseley in assisting our continuing programme to expand
and develop our businesses internationally.'





                                  ENQUIRIES:



                        Mike Verrier - Group Treasurer
                    Wolseley plc - Telephone [phone]



                 Tom Wyatt / Peter Otero - Financial Dynamics
                           Telephone [phone]

                               www.wolseley.com